Will County union, mental health advocacy group to hold news conference

By Lauren Leone-Cross

May 7, 2016

JOLIET – The union representing dozens of Will County Health Department employees facing layoffs due to the Illinois budget impasse have scheduled a news conference Monday in Joliet.

The local agency’s program cuts include the complete suspension of the adult outpatient mental health program. NAMI Will-Grundy, a local mental health advocacy group, is partnering with the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 31 and Local 1028 for the event.

“Given so many other mental health providers are similarly threatened with the lack of state grants, we are very concerned that this service elimination will have a dramatic impact on the 1,800 behavioral health clients serviced by the Will County Health Department,” a NAMI news release stated.

People affected by the loss in programming will be on hand.

The news conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago St., Joliet.